Free, public lectures on healthy eating

KALAMAZOO--The Kendall Center, Western Michigan University's Battle Creek regional site, invites the public to attend the next two programs in its free "Healthy Practices" brown-bag lunch series.

The programs are set for noon to 1 p.m. in the Kendall Center, 50 W. Jackson St. in downtown Battle Creek. The sessions will include ample time for questions and answers, and will be broadcast via videoconference to the Putney Lecture Hall in the Fetzer Center on WMU's main campus in Kalamazoo.

Thursday, Jan. 7
"How to Keep Your Family Safe and Healthy"

First up, on Thursday, Jan. 7, will be a program on "How to Keep Your Family Safe and Healthy." It will be presented by Paul Makoski, environmental health manager for the Calhoun County Department of Public Health. Makoski will address the causes of food-borne illness in the home and present scientifically proven practices to help protect food from contamination.

Thursday, Feb. 11
"Nutrition and Super Nutrients: Truth or Fiction"

A program on "Nutrition and Super Nutrients: Truth or Fiction," will be offered Thursday, Feb. 11. It will be presented by Diana Hazard, a registered dietician, and focus on the latest nutrition buzz words, such as antioxidants, phytonutrients and plant sterols, and provide a better understanding of whether attendees' own eating habits are super or suffering.

The series is sponsored by the WMU Kendall Center in cooperation with Makoski. Future programs will feature additional experts providing up-to-date information on other topics related to food safety and health.

Reservations encouraged

Those attending the Battle Creek programs are encouraged reserve a seat at bc-kendall-conference@wmich.edu or (269) 964-3001 as well as bring a sack lunch to enjoy during the presentations. Beverages will be provided by the Kendall Center.

No reservations are needed for those attending programs broadcast to the Fetzer Center, as food is not allowed in Putney Lecture Hall and seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.